Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea)
When a sore throat or a stuffy head hits, the Starbucks Medicine Ball — officially the Honey Citrus Mint Tea — is the order people swear by. It’s soothing, warm, citrusy, and just sweet enough. The good news: you can make it at home for a fraction of the price, and it’s genuinely comforting whether you’re under the weather or just want something cozy in your hands. Here’s the exact copycat.
Why You’ll Love This Medicine Ball
- Soothing and cozy — warm citrus, mint, and honey, perfect for sick days or cold nights.
- Two-minute assembly — steep, stir, sip.
- Cheaper than the cafe — and you control the honey and sweetness.
- Caffeine-light — gentle green tea, easy to make caffeine-free.
The Ingredients That Matter
- Two teas — the magic is the combo: a mint green tea (Starbucks uses Jade Citrus Mint) plus a peach herbal tea (Peach Tranquility). Any mint green tea + peach or chamomile herbal blend works beautifully.
- Lemonade — half the liquid is warmed lemonade. This is the secret that gives the drink its bright, tangy backbone — don’t swap it for plain water.
- Honey — for sweetness and that throat-coating comfort. Add to taste.
How to Make It
Warm the lemonade, combine it with hot water in a big mug, steep both tea bags for four to five minutes, then stir in honey. That’s it. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
Pro Tips
- Half water, half lemonade is the classic ratio — it keeps the drink balanced, not too tart.
- Steep the full 4–5 minutes so the mint and peach come through.
- Add honey off the boil — stir it in after steeping so it dissolves smoothly.
- Want it extra minty? A small pump of peppermint syrup mimics the version some baristas make.
Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm the lemonade gently (microwave 45-60 seconds) and pour it into a large mug along with the hot water.
- Add both tea bags and steep for 4-5 minutes, pressing the bags occasionally to draw out the flavor.
- Remove the tea bags, stir in the honey until dissolved, and add a pinch of fresh mint if you like. Sip while hot.
Notes
Make It Your Way
- Caffeine-free: use two herbal teas (peach + a mint herbal) instead of green tea.
- Extra immunity vibe: add a thin slice of fresh ginger while it steeps.
- Iced version: steep strong, then pour over ice for a summer refresher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Medicine Ball actually help a cold?
It won’t cure anything, but warm fluids, honey, and steam are genuinely soothing for a sore throat and congestion — which is why it’s such a popular sick-day order.
What teas are in a Starbucks Medicine Ball?
Jade Citrus Mint green tea and Peach Tranquility herbal tea, steeped in hot water and steamed lemonade with honey. At home, any mint green tea plus a peach or chamomile herbal tea works.
Does it have caffeine?
A little, from the green tea. Use two herbal teas instead to make it completely caffeine-free.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes — especially the caffeine-free version. Just let it cool to a safe temperature first.
More Cozy Copycat Drinks
Craving something cold and fruity instead? Try our creamy Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink or the Strawberry Açaí Refresher.
